Preserving Virginia's Land.
Protecting Its Future.

The mission of OCH Conservation Foundation is to enhance diverse wildlife habitats, strengthen critical connections with nature, and preserve Northern Virginia’s unparalleled rural landscape. As development pressure increases across our region, protecting this land has never been more urgent.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Landowner Meetup with the Clifton Institute

Join the Clifton Institute and OCHCF President Rae Stone for an afternoon at BrightWood Farm in The Plains. This casual gathering is for local landowners interested in managing their properties to support native plants and wildlife.

We’ll begin with introductions before taking a walk around the property to explore Rae’s conservation projects firsthand, including woodland restoration, Japanese Stiltgrass management, and several native plant gardens.

What we’ll see:

Woodland restoration: An ongoing project that includes extensive Japanese Stiltgrass management.
Full-shade native plant garden: A garden designed for shade and installed by Fritz Reuter of Virginica, LLC.
Naturalistic meadow garden: A garden inspired by the native meadows of the Piedmont, designed and installed by Claudia West of Phyto Studio. Claudia will also join us for the meetup.

After the walk, we’ll gather for a social hour with refreshments. Connect with fellow landowners, get answers to your toughest conservation questions, and find inspiration for managing your own property.

📅 Sunday, September 27
🕐 Time TBD
📍 BrightWood Farm, The Plains, VA

Spaces are limited. RSVP is required.

Please RSVP by emailing kingram@cliftoninstitute.org.

Nature Walk with Virginia Working Landscapes

On Friday, October 9, from 8–10 a.m., explore a beautiful farm near Atoka, Virginia, with Virginia Working Landscapes Biodiversity Technician Christopher Rademacher.

As we walk through the farm’s grassland, wetland, and riverine ecosystems, we’ll look for migrating birds, discover native plants and wildlife, and take in the colorful beauty of the Virginia landscape in autumn.

From falling leaves to late-blooming flowers, there’s plenty to see this time of year—and you’ll have the chance to learn more about the biodiversity that makes these working landscapes so special.

📅 Friday, October 9
🕗 8–10 a.m.
📍 Farm near Atoka, VA
🌿 Guided by Christopher Rademacher, VWL Biodiversity Technician

Space is limited. Registration is required.
Register through Eventbrite. Specific location details and additional information will be provided to registered participants.

CONSERVATION IN ACTION

Bull Run Farm Protected for the Future

Bull Run Mountain Farm, a 201-acre property in Virginia’s Hunt Country, has been permanently protected from development through a conservation easement held by the Land Trust of Virginia.

The property was once threatened with a six-lot residential subdivision that would have dramatically changed this important stretch of open countryside. Through a community-led effort, the property was instead preserved as a single farm, protecting its scenic views, mature tree lines, open fields, and important wildlife habitat.

The preservation of Bull Run Mountain Farm was made possible through a community-wide effort, with local residents, landowners, and conservation-minded supporters coming together to protect this special property.

Today, the entire property remains under permanent conservation easement, with no future subdivision permitted. The farm has since been sold to a family committed to caring for the land and carrying forward its agricultural and rural character. Bull Run Mountain Farm is a powerful example of what can happen when a community comes together to protect the landscapes that define Virginia’s countryside—and ensure they remain intact for generations to come.

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT

Rural Landowners Manual for the Northern Piedmont Region

This publication serves as a valuable tool for landowners, offering expert contacts, program listings, and guidance on managing the unique challenges of rural property stewardship. Each participating organization contributed its own insights and expertise, resulting in a resource designed to benefit both long-time residents and newcomers alike.

Carrying Forward a Legacy of Stewardship

Few people embodied Virginia’s Hunt Country traditions and commitment to conservation quite like Malcolm Matheson III. Known for his decades of leadership with the Orange County Hounds (OCH), Matheson was a master horseman and outdoorsman whose generosity, humor, mentorship, and love of Hunt Country left a lasting mark on the community.

Following his passing in February, friends and family remembered his “twinkle in his eye,” legendary storytelling, and the impact he had on those around him. In his honor, memorial contributions supported the OCH Conservation Foundation, and OCHCF established a scholarship dedicated to stewardship of the land and community he deeply loved.

A Legacy Takes Flight

Malcolm Matheson III left a lasting mark on Fauquier County—not only through his decades of involvement with the Orange County Hounds, but through his deep love of Hunt Country, wildlife, and conservation. Today, that legacy lives on through the Malcolm Matheson III Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Created to support students pursuing careers in conservation and wildlife, the fund is helping carry Matheson’s passion for the land and its future forward.

Protect Virginia’s Land—For the Next Generation

Development is accelerating across our region. Once open land is lost, it’s gone for good.

Your support helps conserve open space, protect wildlife habitat, and preserve the natural character of Virginia’s countryside.

From working farms to critical ecosystems, every acre protected today ensures this landscape endures for generations to come.

The OCH Conservation Foundation is proud to work alongside leading national organizations, local landowners, and conservation leaders across the Piedmont region.

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Preserving Virginia's Land.Protecting Its Future.